Can I drink water after changing filter?

Author: Mr. Van Nienow Jr.  |  Last update: Friday, September 12, 2025

As long as you have followed the proper instructions to flush your new water filter with three gallons of water, you can usually drink the water right after you've finished the replacement. Check the instructions for your filter to make sure.

Can you drink water immediately after changing the filter?

You need to run the water for 10-15 mins after any new filter or system. That's pretty much a basic requirement. Do that and you should be good.

How long should you run water after changing the filter?

If you have a purifier or filtration system: Turn the drinking water faucet on and leave it on for 10 minutes. If you have a reverse osmosis system: Refer to our article How to Purge Your Reverse Osmosis System.

Can you use a new water filter right away?

It's generally recommended to run water through the refrigerator's new water filter for a few minutes after installation. This helps to flush out any potential carbon fines or air bubbles that might be present in the filter.

What happens if you don't flush a new water filter?

Flushing a new water filter is necessary to eliminate any initial carbon dust and particles. These impurities can accumulate during the production and packaging of the filter. If not flushed out, they can mix with your drinking water, affecting its quality and taste.

Is Your Water Cloudy Water After Installing Water Filter?

What to do after replacing a water filter?

Once you've installed the new water filter, you'll usually need to prepare the filter for use by flushing it out with water. Grab a sturdy container, like a large bucket, and place it under the water dispenser. Hold the dispenser pad down for five seconds, then release for an additional five seconds.

Can not changing your water filter make you sick?

The buildup of organic matter can begin to impact your overall water quality, leading to unpleasant odors and tastes. Continuously drinking water that's been contaminated by harmful bacteria can lead to severe health risks, including diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, and an overall weakened immune system.

How much water should I discard after changing water filter?

Push the filter in until the eject button pops back out. Once your filter is replaced, run four gallons of water through the line to properly flush the new filter.

How much water should you run through a new filter before drinking?

Run two to four gallons of water through the new filter. This helps prevent your water dispenser from sputtering and clears impurities left over from manufacturing. Check for leaks around the filter. Many filters come with a label to let you keep track of when they need to be replaced.

Why is water dirty after changing filter?

If your filters aren't properly rinsed, they can produce cloudy water for weeks after installation. This is due to air and loose carbon being flushed through the system. If you're experiencing this, don't worry, it's an easy fix.

Why is my water not working after changing water filter?

If you just replaced the water filter and don't have water from the dispenser, the reservoir tank or tubing has not filled yet. Press the dispenser for several minutes to purge air from the line and make sure all the tubing is filled with water.

Is it okay to drink water from the refrigerator?

The risks associated with drinking water filtered by a refrigerator, include exposure to microorganisms such as coliform and salmonella, which affect your health and the quality of water.

Why is my water cloudy after changing the filter?

Observing Filtered Water That Appears Cloudy

It is possible for some air to remain in the corners of the filter housing after an installation, or especially after a filter change. This trapped air is what causes the water to have this cloudy texture or appearance which will clear up after two to three weeks.

How long should you run water after changing filter?

This is common and occurs when air gets trapped when changing your filter. Repeat steps 1-3 until you have flushed 3-5 gallons of water. Some refrigerator brands may recommend that you flush the filter by running water for 5 seconds, waiting for 5 seconds, and beginning again.

Is tap water safe after filtering?

A high-quality water filter will remove chlorine, lead, arsenic, mercury, VOCs, waterborne pathogens, and other toxins that might be found in tap water. The end product is pure, clean-tasting water. You won't drink water that doesn't taste or look good. Drinking more water improves hydration and your overall health.

Why does my fridge water taste bad even with a new filter?

Dirty hoses and reservoir. If the filter is new and properly installed and there's still a problem, there are still a few things left to try. Another cause of less-than-fresh water is the hoses and reservoir inside the fridge—these can be cleaned, as well.

What happens if you drink water right after changing the water filter?

You should not drink the first 20 liters of filtered water when you use a new filter or a new replacement filter element. Why? Firstly, some small particles that are inside a new filter have to be washed out. It is these particles that cause an earth like taste.

Why do you need to run water through the filter a few times before using it?

After a filter change, they will flush 3-5 litres through the filter to activate it and get rid of any loose particles as well as air. This is a very quick process which also can be done by yourself if need be. Once this water has been flushed the system is ready to be used again.

What is the proper order to layer your water filter?

Water filter sequence
  1. Sediment filter.
  2. High flow powder activated carbon & silver impregnated low micron filter.

How long can you let filtered water sit?

Potentially, filtered water could be stored for a few weeks, as long as it's refrigerated and kept sealed in a glass bottle. If kept at room temperature, then filtered water is best drunk within a few hours.

How much water do you flush after changing a filter?

You should always flush out three to five gallons of water before drinking the water or using the ice from the refrigerator, regardless what brand of refrigerator or water filter you use.

How long before you can drink water from a new fridge?

Please keep in mind it does take 24-48 hours for your new refrigerator to fully cool. Run at least 1 gallon of water through the system (do not drink). Toss the first gallon of water out. It takes about 24 hours for the first batch of ice (do not use).

What happens if you drink water from an old filter?

Bacterial Growth: Old water filters can become a breeding ground for bacteria. When a filter reaches its capacity, it not only stops filtering effectively but can also start leeching trapped bacteria and minerals back into the water. That's when you start seeing floaties and other unwanted particles in your water.

Why do I feel sick after drinking filtered water?

There are several reasons why you might start to feel nauseous after you drink water. There is a chance that you might be dehydrated, or you might be drinking water on a completely empty stomach. There is also a chance that you might be drinking contaminated water, and it could cause you to feel nauseous.

What is the healthiest type of filter water?

Reverse osmosis filters will remove some types of chemicals from water, including lead, copper, chromium, chloride, and sodium. These filters may also reduce arsenic, fluoride, radium, sulfate, calcium, magnesium, potassium, nitrate, and phosphorous. Check the filter's label for the specific chemicals it can remove.

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